Marin declares 'agricultural emergency' to get drought aid

Marin County officials have declared an "agricultural emergency" in light of the drought.

The action, similar to a declaration last year, might enable federal aid to flow — if grants become available.

"Forage levels in pasture and rangelands were basically nonexistent by the end of January," Stacy Carlsen, the county agricultural commissioner, told the Board of Supervisors. "Sellers are asking exorbitant prices for their feed."

Carlsen said that without the county recognizing and declaring an agricultural emergency, local farms would not have access to potential federal assistance.